Function of a Constitution

The function of a Constitution is to provide for the governmental powers, the legal system, and the rights of citizens in the nation. The modern model for the proper function of constitutions is provided by the United States Constitution. Laws that are ultra vires, or "beyond the powers," may be found with officials given certain powers under the Constitution but denied others, the latter of which they exercise. Similarly, laws which are found to infringe on the rights of the citizens they address will be declared null and void ab initio, or "from the beginning."

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